Delaware best places to retire
Have you ever considered retiring in Delaware? Chances are you haven’t, because a lot of people don’t. They don’t realize the benefits or perhaps they are not aware Delaware has a lot to offer. You need to know about Delaware’s best places to retire.
When you are ready to retire, what kind of lifestyle should you be living? The answer is dependent on your circumstances and desires. The best place to retire varies depending on the person who’s asking and what they want out of retirement. Here are a list of places in Delaware that can help you decide where you’ll spend your golden years.
Delaware is a great place to retire. Several factors contribute to its appeal, including the state’s affordability, low taxes, and excellent healthcare system.
The Wilmington area has been named one of the best places in America to retire by several publications including Forbes and Money Magazine. Both publications cited the area’s affordable housing, vast community resources for seniors, and excellent medical care as reasons why it’s a great place for retirees.
The city of Wilmington alone boasts over 100 retirement communities and senior living facilities that offer everything from independent living apartments to nursing homes. The state has no state income tax on Social Security income, which makes it attractive for retirees who don’t want to pay taxes on their pensions or other retirement income.
The best places to retire in Delaware are a mix of rural and urban. The state is home to the second-largest city in the Mid-Atlantic region, Wilmington, which offers a number of cultural and entertainment options, as well as a large medical center. There are also many small towns throughout Delaware that offer an idyllic lifestyle and all the amenities you might need, including shopping, dining, healthcare services, and more.
Delaware has been ranked one of the safest states to live in by multiple census bureaus. It’s also consistently ranked as one of the most educated states in America (it has more PhDs per capita than any other state), so if you’re looking for somewhere with lots of culture and plenty of opportunities for intellectual stimulation, this could be a great place for you!
1. Wilmington
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.9%
Median Home Value: $168,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,114
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,690
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 20
Wilmington is an affordable urban hub along the Delaware River. If you want to enjoy a luxurious East Coast retirement, with a price tag that won’t wreck your finances, Wilmington should be the first city that comes to mind as you search for the perfect retirement home.
2. Dover
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.4%
Median Home Value: $175,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 342
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,141
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Dover is the charming state capital that serves up everything people love about living on the East Coast: just a short drive to the coast, historical architecture and a funky culture. Retirees can live a life they love on a reasonable budget in this Delaware gem.
3. Milford
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.6%
Median Home Value: $190,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 84
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 585
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Retirees looking to stay active and enjoy Delaware’s striking natural beauty should consider making Milford their home. This beautiful town gives active adults easy access to the nearby Atlantic Ocean, has a charming riverwalk and provides numerous nature centers to explore. If you’re in the mood to walk on the wild side, you can head over to Milford’s popular breweries.
4. Smyrna
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.6%
Median Home Value: $206,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 32
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 246
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
The lovely and historical community of Smyrna lets retirees enjoy an unbeatable lifestyle, no matter how they want to spend their golden years. Numerous parks appeal to nature lovers of all ages, while Smyrna’s fun culture makes it easy to explore new events and experiences. Plus the beaches along Delaware Bay are only about 10 miles away.
5. Middletown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.3%
Median Home Value: $231,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 647
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 7
Middletown is a quaint and historic city close to the Maryland border, offering plenty of arts and cultural events throughout the year. Numerous trails and parks give Middletown plenty of natural beauty, and make it easy for active adults to stay healthy.
6. Newark
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.6%
Median Home Value: $277,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 118
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,142
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
Retirees looking to live in a college town can’t go wrong when they make their home in Newark. This thriving home to the University of Delaware offers up an eclectic culture and an exciting urban lifestyle for people of all ages. Nature lovers can enjoy numerous parks and the Newark Reservoir to explore when they get tired of the urban jungle.
Common Questions About Retiring in Delaware
Is Delaware a retirement friendly state?
Delaware has a favorable tax code for retirees. Delaware has no state sales tax, no taxes on social security income, and allows a $12,500 deduction for income from pensions.
What property taxes to retirees pay in Delaware?
Delaware already boast of the 6th lowest property taxes in the nation at 0.56%. Homeowners over the age of 65 in Delaware can get a 50% tax credit against their school property taxes on their primary residence.
| City Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Wilmington | 12.9% | 1,124 | 3,690 | 20 | $168,000 |
| Dover | 14.4% | 342 | 2,141 | 2 | $175,300 |
| Milford | 20.6% | 84 | 585 | 5 | $190,900 |
| Smyrna | 12.6% | 32 | 246 | 3 | $106,400 |
| Middletown | 15.3% | 66 | 647 | 7 | $231,300 |
| Newark | 13.6% | 118 | 1,142 | 10 | $277,800 |